Last summer was unusually humid, even for Indiana. Now it’s winter, and the air is drying out. That dryness is compounded by your HVAC system, which dehumidifies the air even further. If you want to stay healthy, improve your IAQ, and reduce your risk of cold and flu this winter, humidity control is essential. Here are some of the benefits of a winter humidifier.
- Reducing disease. When the humidity drops below 30%, it fosters viruses. That includes cold and flu germs but also COVID-19. Keeping your humidity at a safe level (between 30% and 50%) with a winter humidifier helps eliminate those viruses and makes your home healthier.
- Helping allergies and asthma. A variety of other contaminants thrive in dry air besides germs, including dust mites and other allergens. If your home has allergy or asthma sufferers, controlling your humidity can help reduce those symptoms.
- Reducing static. Dry air means more static electricity. That doesn’t just mean static shocks. It can make your hair frizzier and cause annoyance when getting your laundry out of the dryer. More than that, though, static electricity can damage certain electronics. A humidifier helps keep them safe.
- Preventing wood damage. Your body isn’t the only thing affected by dry air, which can also dry out wood floors and furniture and even certain types of upholstery, causing them to crack. If you have wooden doors, dry air can warp them so they don’t open or close properly. It also affects wooden furniture legs, causing them to wobble. Keeping a healthy amount of moisture in your home’s air helps prevent damage to your decor.
- Energy savings. By raising the humidity in your home just a little with a winter humidifier, you can make it feel warmer than it is. This way, you can turn the thermostat down a few degrees, saving energy, without any reduction in comfort. Additionally, by reducing the number of contaminants in your air, you can help your HVAC system run more efficiently for longer.
For help finding a winter humidifier for your home, contact us at Mowery Heating, Cooling and Plumbing. We keep Indianapolis homes energy efficient and comfortable.
